<p>It seems like people think if you want to really get into a college, you should do all the optional supplements available. Is this really true? Can any harvard admit who did not do an optional essay share some experience on this?</p>
<p>I didn’t submit the optional essay and got in. No, I’m not hooked, nor do I have perfect SATs and a Nobel. When I was casting around for an idea for a supplemental essay, I realized anything I could write would probably be something the AOs had read a thousand times, while my Common App essay was better, more reflective of myself, and not a giant cliche.</p>